Sensemaker

A cyber attack on the government's Legal Aid Agency has resulted in vulnerable people's data stolen and lawyers without pay.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, European leaders gathered in Copenhagen to confront a growing threat: Russian drone incursions in European airspace. Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall join a bill of top comedians performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. This is despite human rights abuses in the country.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New hope for sufferers of Huntington's disease after the discovery of a treatment which could radically slow the disease. Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sophia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's easy to write off the launch of Your Party as a side-show, away from the centre of politics in Westminster. But, according to Zarah Sultana, 750,000 people have registered interest in the party. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An investigation from The Observer has found there's a financial link between RFK Jr. and supplement companies that market alternatives to Tylenol.Host: Tomini BabsWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting by Alexi MostrousEpisode Photography: Sophia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US government says it has agreed a deal which would see a portion of TikTok owned by US investors. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Girl group members turned solo artists have traditionally struggled to find success in Britain. Has Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix finally broken the curse?To listen to this story and more, listen to The Observer's brand new culture podcast We Have Notes - HEREWriter: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand, resigned after he claimed the company had been “silenced” on issues like Gaza.Host: Tomini BabsWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sophia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Kimmel's show might be returning but his cancellation reveals the way the Trump administration is wielding power.Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sophia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Robinson has transformed from a scrappy activist, to a slick media performer at the heart of the UK's far-right movement. Writer: John SimpsonProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump was asked if he had sympathy for Peter Mandelson - the former UK ambassador to Washington - who was recently sacked for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has issued more than 200 executive orders. Yet so far, only 20 proposed bills have become law.Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The announcement of a major Israeli ground offensive came within minutes of a UN report which states that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messages on unfired bullet casings left by Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, appear linked to online alt-right movements. Writer: Jess Swinburne, with reporting from Nicky WoolfProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore & Jasper CorbettTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, the pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphs of Ancient Egypt have been reduced to clichés in textbooks and pop culture. A new exhibition seeks to change that.Writer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting from Laura CummingProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scientists are increasingly concerned about the impact Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric are having on the environment. So how are those on the front line in the fight against climate change coping against a backdrop of rising scepticism? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Katie GunningTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early on Wednesday morning Poland announced that for the first time Nato jets had shot down Russian drones in its airspace.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute is giving Somali social media users a unique insight into the country's war on terror. Writer: Layla Mahmood and Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the recent cabinet reshuffle tell us about the new direction of the Labour party and the government?Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in decades, American Vogue, the leading fashion publication, has a new editorial head succeeding Anna Wintour, often regarded as the most powerful woman in the industry. Who is the new woman in charge? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The St George's cross is flying from lamposts and motorway bridges across England.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humanitarian payloads from planes are costly and largely ineffective but they remain one of few ways to ease people's suffering in Gaza.Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with additional reporting by Oliver MarsdenEpisode Photography: Oliver Marsden and Alex JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 1.5 million people in the UK now use weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. But as official prices rise by as much as 140%, illegal trade is growing too.Writer: James Tapper and Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedy game show Taskmaster is about to air its 20th UK series and has spawned versions all over the world. We discover its secrets.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Computer chip company Nvidia's revenue is soaring to record highs, but an MIT report found 95% of companies investing in generative AI haven't made money from it.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new wave of influencers are urging their followers to go outside in the hottest part of the day, skip SPF and even lie on towels that attract sunlight.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3D printing technology is used to re-construct the faces of injured Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does one transfer window influencers tell us about the growing power of digital natives and our relationship with the truth? Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A High Court injunction, granted to Epping Forest District Council, will mean the end of asylum seekers being housed in a local hotel. Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland with additional reporting from Xavier GreenwoodEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millions of Afghans who fled decades ago are now being returned from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran as part of one of the largest deportations in recent history.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One region in western Ukraine has become a key sticking point in President Trump's attempts to bring the war to an end.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ADHD prescriptions have risen 18% year on year in England since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nepal's Department for Tourism says it hopes that by waiving permit fees for the 97 lesser-climbed Himalayan peaks it can ease overcrowding on Everest and stimulate the local economy.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Jonathan Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump and Putin met in Alaska for a high-stakes summit discussing how to end the war in Ukraine.Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt RussellPhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent outbreak of tuberculosis on Jeremy Clarkson's farm is an all too familiar story for British farmers. How does this silent disease wreak havoc and can it be eradicated?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburneHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world is finally coming together to try and deal with the problem of plastic pollution. But can they succeed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Palestinian activist, shot by an Israeli settler, filmed his own death. The Israeli authorities have said the settler, who runs an outpost in the occupied West Bank, will not face charges.Host: Casey Magloire Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called on the police to release more information about alleged criminals, such as their immigration status and ethnicity.Writer: Rachel SylvesterProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Lynda LairdExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The renowned Oloffson Hotel in Port-au-Prince, that attracted artists, celebrities and journalists for more than a century has been burned to the ground by criminal gangs. Writer, producer and host: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did a baseless claim that the first lady of France is a man become one of the world's biggest conspiracy theories?Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Online Safety Act requires users to hand over detailed personal information but there's a lack of transparency about what happens to this data afterwards.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Poppy BullardPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.